The Chairmen of Committees to answer any questions by the public of which notice has been given no later than midday three clear working days before the day of the meeting in accordance with Council Procedure Rule No. 12.
Minutes:
Question from Mr Morelli to Councillor Holt, Cabinet Member Economic Growth.
In the Cabinet’s recent decision of the sale of the land at Belle Vue, and during the Cabinet debate on the item, why was seemingly little or no notice taken, and little or no regard had to, Sudbury Town Council’s views on the future of Belle Vue, as outlined in the report of the Belle Vue Working Party; and why was this report, and the Town Council’s views, seemingly dismissed by yourself as being “late in the day”, without a true consideration of the merits on which the report was based?
Response from Councillor Holt
Thank you, Mr Morelli for your question.
It is very tempting to be drawn into answering your question by giving a detailed account of Cabinet's decision making at its last meeting. As you will appreciate however that has already been carried out by our Overview & Scrutiny Committee following the call-in of the Cabinet's decision and also by the Sudbury Town Council at its extraordinary meeting last week.
It is also tempting as it would allow me to correct several of the inaccuracies or assumptions that were presented at that Town Council meeting. I will resist the temptation though as I really do not think it is helpful or healthy for the district or town council to get into a habit of critiquing each other's meetings.
What is more important is that we respect one another, one another's differences of views, where they exist; and work together for the residents of Sudbury, that we both represent.
With that in mind, you are correct that I observed that the Town Council's formal stance was received not long before Cabinet met. The Town Council's views were, and are, however clear and easily understood and so formed a proper part of Cabinet's collective considerations in reaching its decision.
Supplementary Question from Mr Morelli
What steps are you taking to ensure that the views of Sudbury Town Council are taken into account as a key factor when Babergh is taking key decisions that are affecting the Town including those related to Belle Vue especially as judging by the Town Council public meetings, they do not seem to feel that their views are being considered by Babergh very much if at all?
Response from Councillor Holt
Currently we are undertaking some meetings with Sudbury Town Council. We have met with the Clerk and one other council member twice. Not only to discuss Belle Vue but other projects and opportunities coming forward for Sudbury. I understand your concerns and those of Sudbury Town Council and residents that we are not getting on as well as we should be. My point of view and those of the Cabinet is that we will work tirelessly to ensure that our relationship improves and that for the good of Sudbury and local residents we will work very very hard to ensure that we are more attuned and have more dialogue and open conversation so that in the future hopefully the Town Council and District Council will present themselves in a much better way to members of the public.
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